The Cure, Lewis Capaldi, and Calvin Harris have been officially confirmed as the headline acts for the Isle of Wight Festival 2026, taking place from 18–21 June at Seaclose Park, Newport. The event will once again showcase a mix of legendary performers, current stars, and breakthrough acts, continuing the festival’s legacy as one of the UK’s defining summer music gatherings.
The Headliners
- Friday, 19 June – Lewis Capaldi
Capaldi will open the weekend’s headliner slots, marking another huge milestone in his comeback. After his emotional Glastonbury 2023 set and a two-year break to manage symptoms of Tourette syndrome, he returned triumphantly at Glastonbury 2025. His Isle of Wight headline slot comes just before the launch of a major UK and Ireland tour, which includes shows in Dublin, Limerick, Exeter, Cardiff, Belfast, Manchester, two nights at BST Hyde Park, and a top slot at Leeds’ new Roundhay Festival. - Saturday, 20 June – Calvin Harris
Superstar DJ and producer Calvin Harris will bring his global EDM energy to Saturday night. His Isle of Wight performance adds to a busy festival calendar that also sees him headlining Creamfields 2026 on the August Bank Holiday Weekend. - Sunday, 21 June – The Cure
The legendary post-punk band will close the festival on Sunday, delivering their first UK concert of 2026. This marks a major return following the release of Songs Of A Lost World in 2024 — their first studio album in 16 years. Frontman Robert Smith has since revealed that a follow-up record is “virtually finished” and that a third new LP is already on the horizon, with one of them expected before the band hit the road again. Their Isle of Wight set will join a string of 2026 headline slots at Primavera Sound, Rock en Seine, and Nova Rock.
A Diverse Supporting Lineup
The 2026 edition features an eclectic bill spanning indie, pop, rock, and nostalgia acts. So far, confirmed performers include:
- Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter
- The Last Dinner Party
- Wet Leg
- Teddy Swims
- Tom Grennan
- The Kooks
- Feeder
- Rick Astley
- David Gray
- Five (recently reunited)
- KT Tunstall
- Shed Seven
- Starsailor
- Suzanne Vega
- Anastacia
- Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems
- Luvcat
Festival organisers have confirmed that many more acts are still to be announced in the coming months.
Festival Director on the 2026 Lineup
Festival director Caroline Giddings described this year’s lineup as one of the best yet:
“It might be our best line-up yet. It’s my favourite so far, at least. We’re proud to put the future of music and current stars on a bill alongside artists like The Cure and the Sex Pistols, who helped lay the foundation of pop culture.”
She also reflected on the festival’s cultural heritage:
“The festival has always been an extension of the Isle of Wight’s rich cultural history. From Lewis Carroll and Tennyson to Julia Margaret Cameron, the island has been a source of inspiration for artists through time. We always try to honour that by presenting the very best music has to offer, giving people an unforgettable festival experience in the process.”
Context and Legacy
The Isle of Wight Festival has a long history of mixing cultural heritage with contemporary relevance. The 2025 edition was headlined by Justin Timberlake, Sting, and Stereophonics, with additional performances from Razorlight, English Teacher, Yard Act, Midge Ure, Pale Waves, Twin Atlantic, Alessi Rose, Amble, and Nieve Ella.
In 2026, the event looks to raise the bar further — uniting Capaldi’s powerful return, Harris’ global dance appeal, and The Cure’s iconic status in a weekend that reflects both the present and the legacy of live music.
Tickets and Dates
The Isle of Wight Festival 2026 will run from Thursday 18 June to Sunday 21 June at Seaclose Park, Newport.
- Thursday, 18 June – Festival opens
- Friday, 19 June – Lewis Capaldi headlines
- Saturday, 20 June – Calvin Harris headlines
- Sunday, 21 June – The Cure headlines and closes the event
Tickets go on sale at 8am on Wednesday, 1 October 2025 via isleofwightfestival.com.
